Morgan making a risky return

Sunday

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:01 AMJul 29, 2007 at 12:46 AM

By Mike Cranston, Associated Press

Spartanburg, S.C. | Dan Morgan strapped on his extra-padded helmet, adjusted his special mouthpiece and ran onto the field, knowing some people think he's making a horrible decision.The Carolina Panthers linebacker is trying to return from at least the fifth concussion of his career, the one that forced him to miss the final 15 games last season.There are disturbing stories of the long-term effects of multiple blows to the head, from memory loss to depression to dementia. But there was Morgan on Saturday morning, running around the practice field in a steady rain, knowing that many think he's putting himself at risk."I know everybody thinks that and I know that," Morgan said. "Anybody who steps on the field is at risk, but I am more so because I have had more concussions than the average person."The minute I don't feel good is the minute I wouldn't be playing football. At the same time, I feel good and I'm excited and I'm ready to go."Morgan isn't completely ready. Despite being cleared to return in early January, Morgan only took part in some drills. He was replaced at middle linebacker by Adam Seward every time there was a chance of contact."We take precautions with a lot of guys," coach John Fox said. "We always have and always will."Morgan wasn't sure if he'll play in any preseason games, but vows to be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 9 at St. Louis.But should he play?NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered all team doctors and trainers to attend a summit this summer amid reports of the effects of multiple concussions.Numerous ex-players have complained of memory loss. The New York Times reported in January that brain damage caused by football ultimately led to the suicide of former Eagles defensive back Andre Waters."It really doesn't scare me," Morgan said. "If I was sitting there and forgetting things I was talking about it might concern me. But there hasn't been a point where I'm forgetting where things are or I'm driving somewhere and I don't know where I'm at."When I hear these guys talking, that doesn't sound like what I've gone through."But studies show people who have suffered multiple concussions are prone to have more. And playing middle linebacker means plenty of hitting."You never know what lies ahead and I'm not going to go into each practice thinking, 'Oh, if I get a concussion my career is over,'" Morgan said.Morgan said he's undergone hundreds of tests and passed them all.But is it worth it? Morgan's wife gave birth to the couple's second child five months ago. He talked glowingly of his family Saturday, yet the passion to play is still there."The minute I don't feel good is the minute I won't be playing football," Morgan said. "I feel great right now. If I come back and something did happen, then so be it."